Saturday, September 10, 2011

Japanese prime minister Yoshihiko Noda's new government suffered a blow after just eight days in office when the trade minister resigned over gaffes on the sensitive topic of radiation from the tsunami-hit Fukushima plant.

France overcame an enthusiastic and organised Japan side to win its Rugby World Cup Pool A clash 47-21 at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

The French were on the ropes for a large portion of the match as Japan came within a whisker of overtaking its more fancied opponent in the second half, trailing by just four points with 20 minutes to play.

But France finally woke up to nudge seven clear with a penalty goal through the ever-accurate Dimitri Yachvilli, before the scoreline ballooned out as Les Bleus notched up three converted tries without response.

Fiji winger Vereniki Goneva scored four tries as the Pacific islanders held off plucky Namibia 49-25 in their rugby World Cup Pool D match on Saturday.

The Fijians had to fight back from a first half deficit after Namibia fly half Theuns Kotze slotted three successive drop goals before Fiji seized control of the match with two tries inside two minutes.

Despite its defeat Namibia - handed a World Cup record 142-0 thrashing by Australia just four years ago - enjoyed its highest score and closest result in four appearances at rugby's showpiece.